Minimalist Interiors

Minimalism in interior design is not about emptiness. It is about intention. Every object in a minimalist space has earned its place, and every surface, material and colour has been chosen with care. In the Czech Republic, this philosophy resonates deeply with a design culture that has always valued honesty, function and quality over decoration.

The Roots of Czech Minimalism

Czech minimalism did not emerge from a rejection of the past. It grew from the functionalist movement of the 1920s and 1930s, which sought to align architecture and interiors with the needs of modern life. The functionalists believed that beauty arises naturally from honest construction and thoughtful planning.

Vila Tugendhat in Brno, completed in 1930 by Mies van der Rohe, is the most celebrated example. Its open plan, floor-to-ceiling glazing and carefully selected materials — onyx, ebony, travertine — demonstrate that restraint and luxury are not opposites. The space breathes. It invites contemplation.

Good design is as little design as possible. Less, but better — because it concentrates on the essential aspects, and the products are not burdened with non-essentials.

Core Principles of Minimalist Design

Applying minimalism to your home does not require a complete renovation. It begins with a shift in thinking. Here are the principles that guide a minimalist approach:

Declutter with Purpose

The first step is always to remove what is not needed. This does not mean discarding everything, but rather being honest about what adds value to your daily life. In a Czech apartment, where space is often limited, this process is both practical and liberating.

Begin with one room. Remove everything that does not serve a clear function or bring genuine pleasure. What remains will define the character of the space.

Choose a Restrained Palette

Minimalist interiors typically work with a narrow colour palette. White, off-white, warm grey and natural wood tones form the foundation. Accent colours — if used at all — appear in small doses: a cushion, a ceramic bowl, a single painting.

In Czech homes, warm neutrals work particularly well. They reflect the natural light that enters through the large windows typical of inter-war apartment buildings, and they complement the parquet floors and plasterwork that characterise Prague's older housing stock.

Invest in Quality Materials

When you have fewer objects, each one must be excellent. Minimalist design demands quality because there is nowhere to hide. A scratched worktop or a poorly made chair becomes the focus of the room rather than a detail lost among many.

• Solid wood flooring in oak or ash — durable, warm and beautiful with age
• Linen or cotton upholstery — natural fibres that improve with use
• Ceramic or stone surfaces in kitchens and bathrooms
• Steel or brass hardware — simple forms that last for decades

Embrace Negative Space

In minimalist design, empty space is not wasted space. It is the breathing room that allows the eye to rest and the mind to settle. A wall left bare, a shelf with only three objects, a table with nothing on it — these are deliberate choices that create calm.

Czech apartments often have high ceilings that create natural vertical space. Resist the urge to fill this space with shelving or hanging decorations. Let the room expand upward.

Lighting as Architecture

In a minimalist interior, lighting does the work that decoration might otherwise do. A single pendant light over a dining table, a floor lamp in a reading corner, recessed ceiling lights on a dimmer — these create atmosphere without clutter.

Natural light should always be maximised. Keep window sills clear and choose window treatments that can be fully opened during the day. In Czech cities, where winters are long and grey, every ray of natural light is precious.

Last updated: 21 February 2026